Religious

Franciscan Service Mission (FMS) named San Damiano Scholar Emma Laut ’15 the first-ever San Damiano Servant Leadership Award for her commitment to service and her embodiment of the Franciscan sponsorship values.

Dedicating more than 400 hours to community service throughout her time at Marian University, Laut participates in Students Taking Active Reflective Roles (STARR), has lead an alternative break trip to New Mexico, is a food fellow at Growing Places Indy, researched for The Institute for Green and Sustainable Science, leads social justice retreats, serves in campus ministry, actively participates in the Catholic Worker community, and has also attended several mission trips independently.

“I know that there will always be evil in this world, and through my experiences in service and social change, I will never un-see it. However, I am also confident that I am empowered by God’s love and my faith fuels my ability to bring change,” Laut said.
FMS created this award to encourage compassionate servant leaders dedicated to building the kingdom of heaven on earth. When it came to Laut, the selection committee was especially impressed with how Laut works to embody Franciscan values; the same sponsorship values that guided the Sisters of St. Francis, Oldenburg as they built Marian University.

“Emma never stops doing service. She truly does live for others. Her impact on the people she ministers with and the witness she brings to other Marian University students is immeasurable,” said Mark Erdosy, director of the San Damiano Scholars Program for Church Leadership. “Emma embodies the best of Marian University’s sponsorship values.”

As the award recipient, Laut will be recognized at Franciscan Mission Service’s World Care Benefit on May 1, 2015 in Washington, D.C., and have the opportunity to meet with social justice organizations in the DC area. Additionally, Laut received a check for $500 that she will donate to organizations in which she often serves.

“I’m really excited about the opportunity to get closer to such a good program like FMS,” said Laut. “Winning this award gives me the opportunity to show my gratitude to the organizations I work with by giving the proceeds to them. It gives merit to all the good work that they do.”

To read more about this award and the Franciscan Mission Service, visit their website.